Real-Time X-Ray Dose Monitoring in Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation sterilization methods, such as gamma radiation, face challenges due to safety concerns, environmental impact, supply chain interruptions, and inefficiencies in dosimetric monitoring, particularly in X-ray sterilization systems where variations in product density and geometry affect the effectiveness and accuracy of the sterilization process.
Innovation Solution
A real-time dosimetric monitoring system using X-ray detection subsystems before and after the product in the treatment zone, coupled with a controller subsystem to adjust the X-ray radiation profile and exposure time based on measured density profiles, ensuring accurate and efficient sterilization without manual dosimeter placement or reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dosimeters are placed on products manually for dose verification, then dose measurement accuracy is improved, but system throughput is reduced due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual dosimeter placement and reading with an automated X-ray detection subsystem that continuously measures dose in real-time. The detection subsystem uses ion chamber detectors positioned before and after the product to automatically verify dose delivery, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of dose delivery through automated detection. The X-ray detection subsystem continuously monitors the radiation field and product dose without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to self-validate and maintain throughput.
2Reliability
If X-ray radiation parameters are adjusted to account for product density variations, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using the X-ray detection subsystem to measure actual dose delivery in real-time. The controller receives signals from the detectors and automatically adjusts X-ray radiation parameters (such as beam current or exposure time) to compensate for product density variations, ensuring consistent sterilization effectiveness without requiring complex manual process adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts radiation parameters based on real-time feedback from density measurements. The controller modifies X-ray source parameters on-the-fly to account for variations in product density and geometry, transforming a static process into a dynamic adaptive process that maintains effectiveness across varying conditions.
3Reliability
If real-time dose monitoring is implemented, then quality control is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the X-ray detection subsystem serve multiple functions: it monitors dose delivery for quality control, measures product density profiles, and provides feedback for process adjustment. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate monitoring equipment, the patent improves quality control while limiting the increase in overall system cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of X-ray sterilization by ensuring consistent dose delivery, reducing manual intervention, and maintaining quality and safety standards, thereby securing the medical device supply chain with higher throughput and lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
a source of X-rays in the vault producing a field of X-rays in a treatment zone
Implementation Method 2
a first X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone between the products and the source of X-rays and a second X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone behind the products
Data Source
AI summary
A product sterilization system includes a vault, a source of X-rays in the vault producing a field of X-rays in a treatment zone, a conveyance delivering products to the treatment zone for irradiation by the field of X-rays, a first X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone between the products and the source of X-rays, a second X-ray detection subsystem in the treatment zone behind the products, and a controller subsystem responsive to the first X-ray detection subsystem and the second X-ray detection subsystem and configured to determine an X-ray dose absorbed by the products.